9 Questions
What determines the element of an atom?
Number of protons
Which subatomic particle has no charge?
Neutron
What is the central part of an atom?
Atomic nucleus
What determines the isotope of an element?
Number of neutrons
What is the arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels or shells?
Electron configuration
Which statement is true about electron shells?
Each shell has a specific capacity for electrons
What is the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains the properties of that element?
Atom
What determines an element's chemical properties?
Electron configuration
Where are electrons found in an atom?
In the electron shells
Study Notes
Atomic Structure
Definition
- An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains the properties of that element.
- Atomic structure refers to the composition and arrangement of particles within an atom.
Subatomic Particles
-
Protons:
- Positively charged particles
- Found in the nucleus (central part) of the atom
- Number of protons determines the element (atomic number)
-
Neutrons:
- No charge (neutral)
- Found in the nucleus along with protons
- Number of neutrons determines the isotope of an element
-
Electrons:
- Negatively charged particles
- Found in energy levels or shells around the nucleus
- Number of electrons equals the number of protons (neutral atom)
Atomic Nucleus
- The central part of the atom containing protons and neutrons
- Positively charged due to protons
- Extremely dense and small compared to the atom as a whole
Electron Shells
- Energy levels or shells around the nucleus where electrons are found
- Each shell has a specific capacity for electrons
- Shells are designated by energy levels (1, 2, 3, etc.) or by letters (K, L, M, etc.)
- Electron shells are filled in a specific order (Aufbau principle)
Electron Configuration
- The arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels or shells
- Describes the number of electrons in each shell and the energy level they occupy
- Electron configuration determines an element's chemical properties
Atomic Structure
Definition
- Atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains its properties
- Atomic structure refers to the composition and arrangement of particles within an atom
Subatomic Particles
Protons
- Positively charged particles
- Found in the nucleus of the atom
- Determines the element (atomic number)
Neutrons
- No charge (neutral)
- Found in the nucleus along with protons
- Determines the isotope of an element
Electrons
- Negatively charged particles
- Found in energy levels or shells around the nucleus
- Number of electrons equals the number of protons in a neutral atom
Atomic Nucleus
- Central part of the atom containing protons and neutrons
- Positively charged due to protons
- Extremely dense and small compared to the atom as a whole
Electron Shells
- Energy levels or shells around the nucleus where electrons are found
- Each shell has a specific capacity for electrons
- Shells are designated by energy levels (1, 2, 3, etc.) or by letters (K, L, M, etc.)
- Electron shells are filled in a specific order (Aufbau principle)
Electron Configuration
- Arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels or shells
- Describes the number of electrons in each shell and the energy level they occupy
- Electron configuration determines an element's chemical properties
Understand the composition and arrangement of particles within an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
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